Perplexity AI just slid into your WhatsApp Chats; simply message to get answers

Perplexity AI has officially announced that its popular AI-powered answer engine is now available for chatting directly through WhatsApp. No extra app downloads, no storage anxiety, and no sign-ups. You are just needed to save a number, shoot a message, and start getting answers, like texting a friend who also happens to know everything

Just you, a phone number, and a curious mind

It’s a move that feels oddly inevitable. A few days ago, Aravind Srinivas, who is the CEO of Perplexity, polled users on X (formerly Twitter), asking if they’d use Perplexity on WhatsApp. Turns out, they would. Now, by saving +1 (833) 436-3285 to their contacts, users can start firing off questions instantly. There will be no app-switching, no account creation, just answers.

Think of it as Perplexity’s way of going where the people already are. WhatsApp isn’t just a messaging app in many parts of the world. For the people living there, it is the internet. And now, nestled between your group chats and grocery lists, is a free AI assistant that can research topics, summarise news, and even whip up custom images. It’s not just WhatsApp either. Perplexity’s been quietly threading its way through Telegram (under the handle “askplexbot”) and even making cameo appearances on X.

ALSO READ: Siri has competition on the iPhone, and its Perplexity AI voice assistant

But the WhatsApp version is just getting started. As per the folks behind this AI model, voice mode, memes, videos, fact-checks, and assistant-style functions are all in the pipeline. Group chat support is in the works too, though the WhatsApp API isn’t quite there yet. It’s playing hard to get.

This announcement, more than anything, democratises the accessibility of AI. WhatsApp is a staple for many, and having Perplexity AI right there, makes things much easier for many. Still, from what we can make of this, this rollout isn’t just about reach. It’s about relevance. AI doesn’t need to live on its own little island anymore. Sometimes, it just needs to drop you a message.